Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 16,369 complaints for AUDI
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
The brakes are making a loud grinding noise, especially when the car is first used from a cold start. I have taken it to Audi 2 times and been told it is multiple reasons that are causing it and they say there is no fixing it. First, I was told it had been sitting for a while and after they drove it the sound disappeared and would not come back. Second I was told it is because I live near the ocea... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
I bought a 2018 Subaru WRX with 61,000 miles, After driving it 6,000 miles with engine spun a rod bearing, requiring a complete engine replacement. This is a vehicle that in the previous 4th generation of the car, it was recalled for this exact issue. the total repair bill for this fix is $11,720.43. This is on a car with 67,000 miles. 7,000 miles over Subaru's manufacture warranty. After speaking... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
The car's front passenger passenger seat buckle fails to properly secure the seat belt. After inserting the seat belt it fails to latch into the buckle. The Mercedes dealer has examined the seat buckle and determined that it failed. They are recommending a replacement.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Faulty Water Pump causing thousands of dollars to repair. There is a recall on same models and year my vehicle should also be on it. Stalled on hiway. Had to pay more money for tow. Repairs are more than car is worth. You have to take the top part of engine off to replace it.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
LED speedometer in dash showing incorrect speed or unreadable. Advised of chip malfunction.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after the dealer had performed the PCM software update under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train); the power train warning light illuminated the following day. The contact stated that the power train warning light was illuminated while driving and shifting from 3rd to 4th gear. The contact stated that the failure recurred while ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while hauling a trailer, the brakes failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who updated and replaced the Auxiliary Power Interface Module (APIM) several times. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. Additionally, the radio turned on without driver interaction. The contact stated that the For... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
The ABS module is malfunctioning which is a common issue with this car and should have been recalled many years ago.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS SUDDENLY FAILED CAUSING A IMMEDIATE ENGINE STALL WITHOUT WARNING. WILL NOT RESTART EVEN THOUGH IT DOES TURN OVER. CODE READS LOW FUEL PRESSURE AT FUEL RAIL. FUEL TANK LIFT PUMP IS WORKING CORRECTLY. THERE IS A RECALL FOR SOME 2014 TO 2016 535D FOR THIS FAILURE. WHY IS MINE NOT COVERED? 122,400 MILES.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I was driving on the expressway and the engine made a noise and I lost power. I was in the left lane of the expressway. I did not have any warning lights or signs or symptoms prior to this incident. No oil ever leaked prior to this incident. When it occurred, oil was pouring out of the engine all over the ground. The engine was smoking. And a warning message came across the entertainment screen th... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2024
At random times, the vehicle will come up with "Service Shifter" on the dash, making it so that no other items can be viewed, including speed and such. Simultaneously, all lights on the shifter will come on, and no manual gear changes can be executed. The only way to get this cleared is to turn off the engine and restart. yhis can come up at the time of starting the engine and moving into rever... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
Pearl white paint suddenly peeling off in several places on fender. Car is less than 3 1/2 years old.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
Defective coolant bypass valve. Defective valve can cause total engine failure and mechanical failure leading to accident or injury up to and including death. Has been confirmed by service center. Engine service required light is on and will not go off there was no warnings of any issues prior to the light turning on. This is an expensive out of pocket fix in upwards of $1000.00
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
I was accelerating on an on-ramp to merge with traffic on a freeway, and my corolla’s engine shut itself off. All the electronics stayed on and flashed the messages ‘Parking brake malfunction’ and something along the lines of ‘Secondary collision brake system malfunction’. I was stuck coasting in traffic and could not start the engine in neutral. I had to make the car come to a complete ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
2022 Subaru Ascent Limited complained about the tires and brakes to dealership during initial 6K service they said they are fine and sent me on my way. I have taking it in since on 2 or 3 other occasions and same thing. Nothings wrong they checked it drove it and its fine. My wife got rear ended nothing big just replaced the rear bumper and hitch at a certified Subaru collision center. they also d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2024
We bought this around June 2018 with ~96,000 miles. I change oil every 6 months or 6,000 miles with OEM filters and Mobil 1 0w-30 oil. This car has burned 1/2 to 3/4 of oil initially. After 140,000 miles it climbed to over 1 1/2 quarts between changes. I had repeated O2 sensor codes and sensor replacements and finally catalytic converter codes. Replaced the converter around 160,000 miles. I took o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, the power steering functionality was inoperable. The contact needed to use both hands to turn the steering wheel. The steering wheel would continuously turn in the opposite direction. The steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn. The service power... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine revved abnormally. The contact was able to pull over the shoulder of the roadway; however, while attempting to drive off in low gear or while shifted into reverse, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Vehicle makes a noise on the driver side headlight when light is on. Once headlight is off, noise is gone.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The transmission and check engine warning lights were intermittently illuminated, while the air bag warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the transmission was stuck in third gear while driving. Additionally, the speedometer and odometer were inoperable. The contact pulled over ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The transmission and check engine warning lights were intermittently illuminated, while the air bag warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the transmission was stuck in third gear while driving. Additionally, the speedometer and odometer were inoperable. The contact pulled over ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
I took my vehicle in for recall and they replaced the fuse box. Starting that day, the auxiliary power outlet in the rear (trunk) started to short out my pump that I have used many times while blowing up lake tubing equipment. Also since then my trunk has been randomly opening on its own (mostly while I’m asleep). It is happening about every 3 days. There is nothing in the way of the latch or th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery,... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery,... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
In June of 2023 I was driving my vehicle and suddenly the Traction Control, power steering and check engine light came on. I was able to get the vehicle safely home without the use of the power steering. Once I shut the vehicle off, it would not start again. I got the vehicle to my local dealership and they diagnosed it as one of the main wire harnesses was rubbing against a bolt near the battery,... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
In my 2006 Toyota Avalon XL on dashboard appeared SRS Airbag light. Unable to clear it.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
In my 2006 Toyota Avalon XL on dashboard appeared SRS Airbag light. Unable to clear it.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
This is in regards to Safety Recall 23TA13 "Certain Model Year 2013- 2018 RAV4- Potential Vehicle Fire related to 12-volt battery". This recall was suppose to have a solution "late June" Toyota has removed that verbiage once that date passed and we still don't have a resolution. Every day I'm concerned my car might just catch fire when going over a speed bump or hitting a pot hole. This issue has ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The power tailgate would open, then after opening, the tailgate may slowly sag down. Then it automatically closes within seconds. When going down to close, it beeps loudly.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
2018 Kia Forte, purchased certified used June 2022, will randomly go into ECO or Sport mode on startup or while the vehicle is in motion. Vehicle is not equipped with Drive Mode control buttons, indicating that ECO/Sport modes are not supposed to be active feature. While I vaguely remember the mode change occurring during previous two years of my ownership, the first noticeable incident in 2024 w... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 16, 2024
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
When applying light brake force to slow to stop for traffic light/sign the vehicle will feel like the brakes have released and stop slowing (feels like vehicle surges forward) requiring to either really apply much greater force to pedal or to release and reapply force to brake pedal to continue to slow the vehicle. Safety concern as without warning and not consistently happening additional 20 to ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
There was a fire that was created with the factory installed wiring that initiated at the shore power connection where one of the 50 amp wires was loose, heated up, melted the surrounding area and started a fire.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
When parking vehicle and putting shifter in park, an audible alarm was dinging and the dash board was flashing shift to park. It was already in park. I did some things and it stopped. Many times I have my 7 grandchildren in the car with me. This has happened more than once and I feel its unsafe to exit my car until I get it to stop. I don’t know whats causing it. My husband said it happen to him... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
This vehicle is owned by the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. We are submitting complaints for multiple Tahoe's that have stopped during operation causing extreme danger to our staff and other drivers in the city. The cause is always bad fuel pumps and our units have had to have the pumps replaced in some cases multiple times. 03-04-24 Engine sputtering Scanned vehicle and codes P263... Read more
AUDI
RS E-TRON GT
(2023) - STRUCTURE
Jul 12, 2024
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Upon starting vehicle and entering drive vehicle instrement cluster warnings went off and car applied emergancy brakes and suddenly stopped. upon vehicle restart driver was able to releace brakes and manually start ICE componant of hybrid drive train. vehicle entered drive mode and accelerated without touching gas pedal. brakes were jerky but responsive and vehicle accelerated by itself up to 35 m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I was driving when I came upon a couple of metal plates on the road. I slowed a bit to go slower across them when my car slammed on the brakes, the brake orange light came on and beeped on the dash. There was a truck behind me that was luckily leaving enough space. I was jolted and everything fell off my passenger seat due to the aggressive sudden braking. If it had happened on a highway or the tr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the speed odometer showed a different speed that the digital speed... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
This has happened a few times the first time i was driving and the headlights flicked on and off on the dash it showed it switched from auto to off by its self it has done that a few times. The time that i was driving on the highway and the lights when out during the night i was driving 65mph over a pass with no warning I had to turn them on because they did not come back on by them self. I co... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the “Shift to Park and Restart" message was displayed. The contact's wife was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but no failure was found. The manufacturer was n... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s side door keypad fractured in half leaving the wires exposed. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the parts to fix the vehicle was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not mad... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
The alarm system and hazards will randomly go on and will not turn off until you start vehicle and hit the hazard light button. If you hit the hazard button while the vehicle is off, it does not turn the hazards off. They will often remain flashing even if the horn/alarm system isn't blaring. At times hitting the hazard button has made the horn go off. The truck has started locking itself and keyp... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly hesitated, after which the RPM quickly elevated, but the vehicle was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the driver’s side taillight was blown due to water entering the taillight assembly. While driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the battery failure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The battery warning light remained illuminated a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
I was driving driving down the road at 45 MPH, and then the rear object sensor came on the dash. Then the Check engine light and about not reading a sensor. Then the vehicle locked up all 4 wheels squealed tires and came to complete stop, and then started moving forward again. Then I got scared and stopped the vehicle, put it in park and then put it back in drive, driving slower until the sensors ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Just noticed B Pillars on both R&L front doors have become detached at the tops and I am concerned that one or both will come completely loose and fly off while driving and cause injuries or accident. No incidents or injuries to report as of yet.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
SOLVED my U029E with "Exhaust Fluid Service" and "Reduced Speed". For the past month I have been working on this issue on my 2017 Silverado 2500HD LT 6.6L. Tonight I purchased my 3rd NOX2 (downstream) sensor and IMMEDIATELY EVERYTHING WAS FIXED. So, what happened? Why did the previous 2 NOX sensors NOT work? A clue came from GM Parts Direct as the original part number was listed as "DISCONTINUED".... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
The driver's side Daytime Running Light (DRL) suddenly went and stayed dim. It's an amber color now, while the front passenger side is still lit up very brightly. My car had 35,000 miles when this occurred.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
Bought car from Bill bird kia in panama city Florida with 38k miles and at 41k miles we went for oil change the oil was extremely low and from that day we have kept record of every oil change 1k miles into every oil change the oil is gone and was told kia won't reach engine until the engine blows up so with 115k miles on it kia diagnosed our engine with cylinder #1 low compression due to lack of ... Read more